Locating Animals in John Chrysostomâs Thought

Blake Leyerle

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Chapter 8 Locating Animals in John Chrysostomâs Thought

In: Revisioning John Chrysostom

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Blake Leyerle

Blake Leyerle
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 276â299

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004390041_009

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Abstract

In the course of his preaching and writing, John Chrysostom often refers to animals. This chapter argues that these references function, in part, to reinforce spatial distinctions. Of these, the most basic is the contrast between wilderness and urban spaces. Creatures of the wilderness are usually represented mimetically. They direct attention to a reality outside the text, and it is their difference from humans that Chrysostom stresses. He cites their behaviour to support theological doctrine, especially the providence of God, the dominion of humans over all other life forms, and the reality of the Fall and of the resurrection. Animals in the urban spaces, on the other hand, function semiotically. They cannot be understood apart from their literary quality, and it is their likeness to humans that Chrysostom underscores. He invokes these similarities to support ethical teachings and, in particular, to advocate certain spatial behaviours implicit to his understanding of almsgiving, obedience to the clerical hierarchy, and proper monastic behaviour.

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Revisioning John Chrysostom

New Approaches, New Perspectives

Series:Â Critical Approaches to Early Christianity, Volume: 1

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004390041

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 01 Mar 2019

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Chapter 8 Locating Animals in John Chrysostomâs Thought

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Revisioning John Chrysostom

New Approaches, New Perspectives

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Chapter 8 Locating Animals in John Chrysostomâs Thought